School Health

About the School Health Department

Dare County provides health services to all students in the district by stationing public health nurses in each school. School nurses are able to provide services that include screening, evaluation, treatment, health education and case management for students with chronic diseases and/or other special health care needs.

In addition to providing health education for staff and students; surveillance and reporting of infectious or communicable diseases; general first aid; and treatment/referrals relating to minor illnesses, our school nurses track school entry required vaccines to ensure that the children of Dare County are protected.

School Health News

Rising 7th graders and seniors much have updated vaccines before the start of the 2023-2024 school year. For information visit www.immunize.nc.org or contact your student's school nurse.

Spring Newsletter: Elementary (English) Spring Newsletter: Elementary (Spanish)

Spring Newsletter: Secondary (English) Spring Newsletter: Secondary (Spanish)

School Nurse Contacts

Jodi Wyant
Student Health Services Supervisor
(252) 475-5071

Cape Hatteras Elementary
Kelly Aiken
(252) 995-6196 ext. 3606

Cape Hatteras Secondary
Shaina Barnes
(252) 995-5730 ext. 3006

Dare Learning Academy
Robyn Dozier | Janel Drake
(252) 473-2264

First Flight Elementary
Anna Miller
(252) 441-1111 ext. 2062

First Flight High
Robyn Dozier
(252) 449-7000 ext. 2495

First Flight Middle
Kelly Sutton
(252) 441-8888 ext. 2206

Kitty Hawk Elementary
Christina Posko
(252) 261-2313 ext. 1625

Manteo Elementary
Rebecca Hosbach
(252) 473-2742 ext. 1207

Manteo High
Janel Drake
(252) 473-5841 ext. 1051

Manteo Middle
Mandi Ferguson
(252) 473-5549 ext. 1207

Nags Head Elementary
Caitlyn Eanes
(252) 480-8880 ext. 1806

Frequently Asked School Health Questions and Resources

How is medicine administered to students?

What are the procedures for self-medication?

There are a number of health conditions, which require the student to carry medication at all times. These would include asthma (inhalers), diabetics (insulin), and those with severe allergy (emergency epinephrine). Because one of the objectives of their medical program is sell-responsibility for their medication, these students may self-medicate as their individual health care plan mandates if the following criteria are met.

Written request shall be required annually from:
A.) A licensed health care provider, to include:

Student's name and birth date
Name of medication
Dosage at school
Relationship to meals
When medication should be given
Side effects
Reason not to give medication
Date medication should be stopped
Health care provider signature, telephone number and date
Permission to carry medication at school

B.) The parent/guardian to include:

Written request and authorization to allow the student to carry the medication.
Parent/guardian signature, telephone number and date

2. Health counseling to student is provided by the school nurse including:

Review of health condition, medications, triggers, precautions
Self-medication contract is signed by student and parent/guardian
Review of school medication policy and disciplinary actions for sharing medications

Where can I find the Authorization Form for Administering Drugs or Medication on Campus?

What options are available if my student has a food allergy?

If your child has a known food allergy or special nutritional needs for school meals, it is important that you inform the school by completing the required form on an annual basis. For more information, please visit our food allergy information page.

Resources and Forms

Fluid Milk English Version

First page of the PDF file: FluidmilkDare8-4-17

Medical Statement Cover Forms

Medical Statement Spanish Version

First page of the PDF file: MedicalStatementSpanish8-4-17

Fluid Milk Spanish Version

First page of the PDF file: FluidmilkSpanish8-4-17

Health and Medication Documents

Drug Testing Forms

School Health: Services & Information

The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services – Public Health Division (DHHS – PHD) provides health services to students in collaboration with Dare County Schools. Services include but are not limited to: case management for students with chronic diseases and/or other special health care needs, health education, school vaccination audits, general first aid and treatment or referrals relating to minor illnesses.

This section of the student notification manual provides information on some of our services offered to students and various health concerns that parents may have throughout the school year.

Concussions

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of a concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the signs yourself, seek medical attention right away.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion?

Symptoms Reported by Child:

• Headache or pressure in head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Feelings sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion • Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”

Signs Observed by Parents/Guardians:

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused
• Forgets instructions
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

What should you do if you think your child has a Concussion?

Seek medical attention right away. A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return to regular activities, including school and/or sports. When a Dare County School student is diagnosed with a concussion, the Return-to-Learn protocol should be followed. A doctor is required to evaluate and submit a form to the school letting them know what accommodations, if any, are required for your child to return to school safely. This form is available in the school nurse office of your child’s school or on the Dare County Schools’ website. If your child is a Dare County Schools’ athlete, a Return-to-Play concussion packet must be completed by a health care provider following his or her evaluation of your child. These packets are available from the Athletic Director or Athletic Trainer at your child’s school or the North Carolina High School Athletic Association website.

Sources: http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/parents/index.html and https://www.nchsaa.org/concussion-awareness

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

What is MRSA?

Staphylococcus aureus, often called “staph,” is a common type of bacteria that can be found in the nose and on the skin of about one out of every three people. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also called MRSA, are bacteria that are not killed by many of the antibiotics medical providers generally prescribe to cure staph infections. MRSA has rapidly become one of the most common causes of skin and soft tissue infections among otherwise healthy people in the community.

Many people carry MRSA on their skin, and most will never get sick from it. Skin infections occur when the bacteria get in through small scrapes or cuts, sometimes too small to notice. The infected area usually begins with a red bump that resembles a pimple or insect bite. If untreated, the lesion may become hard and painful or may drain pus (often called a “boil” or a skin abscess).

How does MRSA spread?

MRSA is most often spread through direct physical contact with an infected person. Draining lesions are highly infectious and represent an important source of spread. Touching objects that have been soiled with drainage from an infected wound, such as bandages, towels, or athletic equipment can also spread MRSA, although this is less common than direct person-to-person spread. Outbreaks of MRSA have occurred within households, on sports teams, in daycare centers, and in other settings where people have close contact or share equipment or personal items.

How can MRSA be prevented?

MRSA can be prevented by practicing good hygiene. Be sure to:

• Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Wash any cut or break in the skin with soap and water and apply a clean bandage daily.
• Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
• If you have symptoms of MRSA, see your medical provider.
• Keep draining wounds clean and covered.
• Wash your hands and forearms before and after caring for the wound and frequently throughout the day. Use soap and warm water for 15 seconds and dry your hands on a clean towel or paper towel.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/community/schools/index.html

Garrett’s law was enacted in 2004. It mandates schools provide parents and guardians with information about meningococcal meningitis and influenza and the vaccines that protect against these diseases. The law was expanded in 2007 to mandate that information also be provided about human papillomavirus (HPV) and the vaccines available to protect against HPV.

Source: https://immunization.dph.ncdhhs.gov/schools/resourcesforschools.htm#GarrettsLaw

Meningococcal Disease

What is meningococcal disease? What causes it?

Meningococcal disease is a serious, potentially fatal illness, caused by bacteria. There are three types of invasive meningococcal disease:

• Meningitis – an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord

• Bacteremia – an infection of the blood stream

• Pneumonia – an infection of the lungs

How is the disease spread?

Meningococcal disease is contagious. The disease is spread through air droplets and direct contact with infected persons. It can be spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or shared items like a drinking glass, utensils, or e-cigarettes.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can progress rapidly and may resemble the flu. They can include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, sleepiness, and sensitivity to light. Some people also develop a rash mainly on their arms and legs.

How many people contract or die from meningococcal disease?

About 3,000 people get meningococcal disease each year in the United States. Approximately 10 percent to 15 percent of people who get the disease die from it, and many other are affected for life. About 20 percent of those who survive suffer long-term effects that can include brain damage, seizures, or limb amputations.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can get meningococcal disease. It is common in infants less than one year of age and people with certain medical conditions, such as a lack of a spleen. College freshmen who live in dormitories have an increased risk of getting meningococcal disease.

Can meningococcal disease be prevented?

Yes. Although meningococcal disease is serious and potentially life threatening, up to 83 percent of the cases in adolescents and young adults are potentially vaccine preventable. There are two types of meningococcal vaccines, MenACWY and MenB. These have been demonstrated to be safe and offer protection against all three serogroups (B, C, and Y) most commonly seen in the United States.

What are the NC requirements for school entry?

Beginning July 1, 2015, North Carolina requires all students entering 7th grade or 12 years of age, whichever comes first, to have one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine. A booster dose of meningococcal vaccine is required for students entering 12th grade or 17 years of age; whichever comes first, beginning August 2020. If the first dose of vaccine was administered on or after the 16th birthday, the booster dose will not be required.

Does the meningococcal vaccine prevent all forms of meningococcal disease?

There are two types of meningococcal vaccines licensed in the US:
• Meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MenACWY)
• Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines

These vaccines help protect against all three serogroups (B, C, and Y) most commonly seen in the United States. None of the vaccines prevent meningitis caused by other bacteria such as “strep” or Hib

What about side effects?

Up to half of the people who get meningococcal vaccines have mild side effects, such as redness or pain where the shot is given or a fever. Serious allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare, but do occur. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficult breathing, weakness, hoarseness or wheezing, a fast heartbeat, hives, dizziness, paleness, or swelling of the throat.

What can I do if I have a reaction to the vaccine?

If you think you are having a serious reaction to the vaccine, seek immediate medical attention. For mild to moderate vaccine reactions, an aspirin-free pain reliever can be used to reduce fever and soreness at the shot site. It is important to remember that your child’s chances of being harmed by meningococcal disease are far greater than any chance of being harmed by the vaccine. Immunizations are one of the most important ways parents can protect their children against serious infectious diseases.

Where can I get more information on the disease and vaccine?

Talk to your physician or someone at the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services for more information. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal and https://immunization.dph.ncdhhs.gov/schools/schools.htm

Influenza (“The Flu”)

What is the Flu?

Influenza (commonly called “the flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. The CDC estimates that influenza has resulted in between 9 million and 41 million illnesses, between 140,000 and 710,000 hospitalizations, and between 12,000 and 52,000 deaths annually since 2010.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/index.html

What are the symptoms?

The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms: fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are much more common among young children than adults.

Who is at greatest risk? Who should get vaccinated?

In general, anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu should get vaccinated. Vaccination is safe and is the most effective way to fight the flu.

Children aged 6 months to 18 years
Pregnant women
People 50 years of age and older
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, including asthma and diabetes.
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complication from the flu, including household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated).

What about side effects?

The majority of children who receive the vaccine will have no side effects. Of those children who do, most will have only a mild local reaction such as soreness or redness where the shot was given, fever (low grade), or muscle aches. The flu vaccine cannot give a person the flu. In very rare cases (far less than 1 out of 10,000), vaccinated children can have a serious allergic reaction. Children who have an allergy to eggs (which are used in making the vaccine) or any component of the flu vaccine are at greater risk for a serious allergic reaction.

Who can I talk to about getting vaccinated against the flu?

Talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated. Parents can also talk to someone at the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services’ Immunization Program about getting the vaccine. Remember, the best time to immunize against the flu is September through November; however, it is not too late to get vaccinated in December or later.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

What is HPV?

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus that is spread from one person to another by intimate skin-to-skin contact. HPV can be spread even if there is no sexual intercourse.

Most HPV infections go away by themselves within 2 years. But sometimes, HPV infections will last longer and cause some cancers of the cervix, penis, anus, or back of the throat. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts.

Many sexually active people (at least 50 percent) get HPV at some time in their lives, although most never know it because HPV usually has no symptoms and goes away on its own. However, while a person is infected with HPV, they can spread the virus to other intimate partners. HPV is the most common in young women and men who are in their late teens and early 20s. About 13 million Americans become infected each year

What are the signs and symptoms of HPV infection?

The virus lives in the body and usually causes no symptoms. Some people will develop visible growths or bumps in the genital area (genital warts) but most men and women who have HPV do not know they are infected.

How is HPV related to cancer?

Some types of HPV can infect a person and cause cells to change. Sometimes, HPV does not go away but instead, stays in the body and continues to change the cells. These cellular changes can lead to cancer over time, if they are not treated. HPV can also cause other types of cancer, such as vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal (cancers of the back of the throat including base of tongue and tonsils).

How can my child be protected from getting HPV?

The only sure protection from HPV is lifelong abstinence or a monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. However, vaccines are now available that can protect females and males (age 9-26) from some of the major types of HPV.

Does the HPV vaccine prevent all types of human papillomavirus?

No, but among teen girls, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 88% since 2006 when HPV vaccines were first used in the United States.

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

HPV vaccines licensed are safe and effective for everyone age 9 through 26 years. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that the following individuals receive the HPV vaccine:

Routine vaccination is recommended for all children, males and females, age 11 or 12 years old.
Everyone through age 26 who did not receive the vaccine when they were younger, should be vaccinated.

Why is HPV vaccine recommended for such young girls and boys?

For the HPV vaccine to work best, it is very important to get all doses in the series before being exposed to the virus. Someone can be infected with HPV the very first time they have sexual contact with another person, even if sexual contact only happens one time. Ideally, male and females should get vaccinated before they even consider becoming sexually active.

How is the vaccine given?

The vaccine is given as a series of shots over six months. For children age 11 or 12, they are given a series of two shots six to twelve months apart. If your child is older than 14 years, three shots will be given over a six-month period. The best protection is achieved after the series is complete.

Who can I talk to if I have more questions about the HPV vaccine?

If you would like to have your child vaccinated or simply have more questions about the vaccine, you can contact your child’s health care provider or someone at the Department of Health & Human Services. To ensure that the vaccine is covered by your child’s health insurance, contact your insurance company beforehand. For uninsured or underinsured children, contact the DC DHHS to determine if your child is eligible for a free vaccination through the state.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/index.html